Cooper Flagg. Image via: Stacy Revere/GettyImages The Dallas Mavericks escaped with a 131-130 win over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, and the result mattered as much as the performance that delivered it. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg led the way with the best game of his young career, then summed up his priorities with a short answer when asked about Christmas. He wants more wins.For a Dallas team stuck near the bottom of the Western Conference, the night felt important. The Mavericks had dropped close games recently and needed proof they could finish one. Against a Denver team built around Nikola Jokic, they finally did.
Cooper Flagg’s career night at the right time
Cooper Flagg finished with 33 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, missing a triple-double by one rebound. He hit four three-pointers, the most he has made in an NBA game, and stayed involved in every key possession late.With 3:17 left, Flagg drilled his fourth three to put Dallas Mavericks ahead. On the next stretch, he found Naji Marshall for a three that pushed the lead to 131–125. Denver still had chances, but Dallas held on.
Cooper Flagg. Image via: Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Anthony Davis added 31 points and nine rebounds, but Flagg was the player who tilted the game. Denver got 31 points from Jamal Murray and 29 points with 14 assists from Jokic, but neither could stop the rookie late.Cooper Flagg set the tone early. He scored 14 points in the first quarter and did not miss a shot, going 7-for-7 from the field. Dallas built a 50-29 lead before Denver settled in.The Nuggets worked their way back and briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, going up 106-103. Dallas answered, and the final possession came down to a rushed Denver attempt after a shot-clock violation. Peyton Watson’s three at the buzzer hit the rim and bounced out.
Cooper Flagg’s Christmas Wishlist Revealed
After the game, Cooper Flagg was asked what he wanted for Christmas. His answer stayed on the court. He said he is thinking about basketball and wants more wins.That response fits where Dallas Mavericks stand. The Mavericks are 12-19, and progress has been uneven. This win snapped a two-game slide and marked their second victory over Denver this season.The Dallas Mavericks had already beaten the Nuggets earlier this month on the road. This one mattered more because of how it ended. Dallas finished instead of folding.Flagg has also been visible off the floor, taking part in the team’s holiday events, but the focus now shifts to Christmas Day and a road game against the Golden State Warriors. For Dallas, the hope is simple: that this game is not an outlier, but a step forward.PlayerPTSREBASTKey Highlight Cooper Flagg (DAL) 33 9 9 Career-high four three-pointers Anthony Davis (DAL) 31 9 – Steady scoring support Jamal Murray (DEN) 31 – 14 Strong playmaking night Nikola Jokic (DEN) 29 7 14 High usage, limited boardsFor now, Flagg’s message is clear. He is not chasing attention or milestones. He is focused on stacking wins and helping Dallas climb out of a difficult start. Monday’s game showed what that can look like when it comes together, and the Mavericks will try to carry that standard forward rather than letting it fade into a single night.